‘Mayor did not follow due process and at times his behaviour was oppressive, unreasonable, entirely unacceptable and unfair.’

An official report published by the Home Office today has found that Sadiq Khan went beyond the bounds of the law with the effective sacking of Dame Cressida Dick as the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Force in April.

Acting Commissioner Sir Steve House said: “I welcome the publication of this report.

“I am pleased the Home Secretary was able to respond to my request for a review and I am grateful to Sir Tom Winsor for his thorough and impartial report.”

Former Commissioner Cressida Dick said: “Leading the Met and serving the people of London was a wonderful privilege. My first priority was always their safety.

“I regret this report was necessary but I hope it will help create a sounder foundation for my successors.

“Sir Tom has written a highly detailed and forensic account of the circumstances surrounding my departure.

“He found the Mayor did not follow due process and at times his behaviour was oppressive, unreasonable, entirely unacceptable and unfair.

“At all times I sought to uphold the law and act ethically and with goodwill, professionalism, openness and trust.

“I fully respect the need for democratic oversight of policing. It is also important that politicians respect due process and do not break the rules.

“I hope this report is an opportunity for others to reflect on how City Hall functions and is held to account.

“The Met is a fantastic police service that is admired across the world. It performs many important functions for London and the country. Its officers and staff face many challenges.

“They can only succeed on a bedrock of independence and impartiality.”